Looking at the number on crumpled paper, she sighed. It was the post-election week so the government clinic was filled with sick people, expecting mothers, toddlers sprinting and screaming babies. There were more than a hundred in the queue, with all the appointments being postponed. Yes, it was going to be a long day. She was grateful for the husband who took the day off to accompany her to the clinic for the baby's vaccination. His presence made her feel less lonely.
"Ma'am, I will need to refer you to the doctor. It seems like your baby's growth is lagging behind. All measurements are going downhill except for his head circumference."
"Did you hear that, boy? You have a big brain! All that milk must have gone to your head! Hah!" trying so hard to cheer herself up and put on a straight face as the nurse filled up the referral.
Don't worry, it's gonna be okay. He's healthy, isn't he? Look at how happy he is, he's well fed and fast asleep. He's alright.
They entered the room only to be greeted by a doctor smiling behind a surgical mask. The husband was left waiting outside while attending to their firstborn.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. Here, have a seat. Let's talk about the baby. Is he well fed? How frequent is his feed? Is he latching well? How about your diet? How are you doing? What does your daily meal look like? How's your water intake? Are you currently working? How are you dealing with work? Stressful?
She stared at her sleeping baby and all the unending questions faded into the background.
Tired.
"I'm alright. He latches on demand. Yea it's been a struggle having to juggle between attending to the little ones and managing work, but we're slowly coping."
The doctor saw the hesitation in her eyes, her deepened eye bags spoke louder than words.
"You don't have to keep things to yourself, you know. You can talk to me. If need be, my team and I are more than happy to offer assistance in any way possible. I know it must not be easy for you since you are taking care of your little ones alone most parts of the day." her voice softened.
She nodded thankfully, trying to hold back the tears in her eyes.
"Alright, he seems to be growing well despite the unfavorable measurements, let's give it some time and monitor further. If nothing improves by the next appointment we shall advise further."
"Thank you."
She breathed a sigh of relief as they exited the doctor's room.
She looked at the little boy who was sleeping soundly in her arms. He let out a little smile, so as to tell her that everything was going to be alright.
She smiled back.
Yes, everything is going to be alright.
art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics